Shaping Europe

These three candid reminiscences by three MEPs blend prsonal impressions with an analysis of the growing power and importance of the European Parliamnet over the twenty years since it was first directly elected. Based on insider experience from the mainstream political tarditions - carole Tongue from the Socialists, Henry Plumb from the Conservatives and Florus Wijsenbeek from the Liberlas - this book informs as well as entertains, putting a human face on the politics of power in Brussels and Strabourg. In the hisotory of European integration few steps have been as important as the change from appointed Assembly to elected Parliament in 1979. This slim volume brings together the reflections of three MEPs who, through their parliamentary activity over the yeras, have helped to shape Europe. The Treaty of Rome speaks of "an ever closer union of the peoples of Europe". The European Parliament has become its clearest political expression yet, and these three MEPs reflections, written as much from their political as from their personal standpoints, offer the reader telling insights into this continuing process. This slim volume brings together the reflections of three MEPs who, through their parliamentary activity over the yeras, have helped to shape Europe. The Treaty of Rome speaks of "an ever closer union of the peoples of Europe". The European Parliament has become its clearest political expression yet, and these three MEPs reflections, written as much from their political as from their personal standpoints, offer the reader telling insights into this continuing process. Lord Plumb: Europe-why bother?: Selection and election, Conservative MEPs and Mrs T, President and Parliament, Support and innovation, backbenchers and the bureau,, constarints and the change, Presidents and politicians, Europe Looking out. Rethinking free and fair, in or out of Europe, More Europe?, Identity and sovereignty; Carole Tongue:A Voice for cultural diversity at the heart of Europe:Victory in a marginal seat, Settling into the job, Fighting for a pro-European labour policy, Visiting abroad, Second election victory, Being deputy leader, Looking after the constituency, Television without frontiers, The lobby against the directive, The legislative finale, Toil and glamour in culture and media, Labour in power, Twenty year retrospect, Looking forward; Florus Wijsenbeek: Fifteen Years in a Growing Parliament: Introduction, Personal involvement, Origins: From common assembly to parliament, The mambers of the non-elected parliament, Political groups, Powers, 13/83 or failure to act, Other court cases, From co-operation to co-decision, Legislation and members, The seat, Relations with national parliaments, Conclusions